Date:02/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/02/stories/2008040260721700.htm

National

BJP’s assurance to Chinese envoy

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party does not wish to mix politics and sports, and it will not pressure the United Progressive Alliance government to boycott the Olympics in Beijing.

At the same time BJP president Rajnath Singh, at an hour-long meeting with Chinese ambassador Zhang Yan here on Tuesday, made it clear that his party was anguished by reports of violence in Lhasa and other parts of Tibet and was of the view that the problem could be resolved only through dialogue, not the use of force.

The party political secretary Sudhanshu Trivedi and convenor of the foreign affairs cell S.K. Arora were present. The meeting took place at Mr. Singh’s residence.

Apparently, the ambassador sought to know the views of the BJP on the issue.

It was during the Vajpayee government’s tenure that India formally gave up its stand on an autonomous status for Tibet. It was explained that the party had not changed its view.

However, it was emphasised that India and Tibet had ancient ties and it would be a happier situation if problems were resolved through dialogue.

The recent statement by Defence Minister in the Vajpayee government and convenor of the National Democratic Alliance George Fernandes that China was potentially the number one enemy of India did not directly come up during the discussion, party sources said.

Tibet

But, indirectly the BJP made it clear that the recent happenings in Tibet had not changed the party’s position on China.

The ambassador reportedly explained his country’s position on Tibet.

It was stated that China believed the protests in Tibet were instigated. The timing of the protests demonstrated that maximum mileage was sought as all eyes were on China because of the start of the countdown to the Beijing Olympics.